Cassano all'Ionio
Cassano all'Ionio: history and origins
Cassano all'Ionio is a municipality of the province of Cosenza in Calabria, with a population of approximately 16,500 inhabitants. It is located in the Piana di Sibari, in the northern Calabria, and is the headquarters of the homonymous Diocese of Cassano all'Jonio. According to many scholars, the origins of Cassano date back to the Neolithic period, older than those of Sibari, and there are traces of settlements in the extraordinary Caves of Sant'Angelo. Cassano would be the first human settlement in Sibaritide and among the first in southern Italy. The city was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and was a settlement of the Enotri, located inland. The economy was essentially agricultural, but craftsmanship was flourishing and based on the processing of precious bronze artifacts.
The mention by Gaius Julius Caesar
The Land of Milone is also mentioned in relation to the city of Cassano all'Ionio. In De bello civili by Gaius Julius Caesar, the general writes that "near Cosa, in agro Thurino", Tito Annio Milone, an anti-Caesar advocate, was killed by a stone thrown from the Tower. It is believed that this tower is the Tower of Milone, located near Cassano. However, there are also other cities, such as Compsa in Irpinia, that claim ownership of this tower, making it difficult to establish its actual location.
The territory occupied by the Enotri
Most of northern Calabria, which later took the name of "Italians" from their king Italo, was occupied by the Enotri in historical times. Cassano, therefore, would be the ancient Kossa ecataica. Many studies agree on the matter, but there are also philologists and other scholars who find this deduction very unlikely and rushed. However, there is no doubt that in this territory there was a settlement that extended along the Eiano and on the slope of the Pietra di San Marco, as evidenced by the attestation of human frequentation in the surrounding caves.
The cultural heritage of Cassano all'Ionio
Cassano all'Ionio has been influenced by different cultures in the past, including Greek, Roman and Arabic. This contributed to forming a rich and varied cultural heritage. The city is known for its Norman Castle, dating back to the 11th century, its Cathedral, which was rebuilt in the 18th century, and the Caves of Sant'Angelo, which are evidence of human presence in the area since the Neolithic era. In addition, among the numerous churches in the city, there are the Baroque-style church of San Nicola and the church of San Francesco di Paola, known for its Gothic style.
Tourism in Cassano all'Ionio
Cassano all'Ionio is a place rich in tourist attractions, including the Scolacium Archaeological Park, one of the most important tourist attractions in Calabria. It is an ancient Greek city located on the Ionian coast, a few kilometers from Cassano. The park is composed of ruins of temples, baths and a theater, and offers a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast. In addition, in Cassano it is possible to visit the museum of the territory, dedicated to local art and culture. The city is also famous for its production of citrus fruits and olive oil, which are exported all over the world.
In summary, Cassano all'Ionio is a small city with a great history, dating back to the Neolithic era. The city has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, which contributed to forming its rich cultural heritage. Cassano offers numerous tourist attractions, including the Scolacium Archaeological Park, the Caves of Sant'Angelo, and the Norman Castle. In addition, the city is famous for its production of citrus fruits and olive oil.
